Prostyle temple plan

Definition

A prostyle temple plan is an architectural design characterized by a portico with columns at the front, while the rest of the building is usually solid. This design emphasizes the entrance and creates a grand visual appeal, often used in temples dedicated to gods in ancient Rome. The prostyle plan enhances the relationship between the structure and its surroundings, often reflecting the cultural and religious significance of the temple.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The prostyle temple plan commonly features a row of columns that are typically arranged in the front, allowing for a clear view of the entrance.
2. This design became particularly popular during the Augustan period, symbolizing power and stability in Roman architecture.
3. Prostyle temples were often adorned with decorative elements such as friezes and pediments that conveyed stories or honored deities.
4. The layout allows for natural light to enter through the front, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the interior space.
5. Unlike other temple designs that might enclose more space with columns around the sides, prostyle focuses on a dramatic frontal presentation.

Review Questions

• How does the prostyle temple plan enhance the overall visual impact of Roman temples?
  • The prostyle temple plan enhances visual impact by prominently featuring a row of columns at the entrance, which draws attention and creates a sense of grandeur. This design not only emphasizes the front façade but also establishes a powerful relationship between the temple and its surrounding environment. The aesthetic appeal is further enhanced through decorative elements like friezes that communicate cultural and religious narratives, making it an effective architectural choice for sacred spaces.
• Discuss the significance of using a prostyle temple plan during the Augustan period in relation to Roman architecture and culture.
  • During the Augustan period, the prostyle temple plan became significant as it symbolized stability and power in Roman society. Augustus aimed to restore traditional values and beliefs, and using this architectural style helped convey his vision of strength through monumental structures. The prostyle design not only reflected aesthetic preferences but also reinforced religious devotion by showcasing temples as focal points within urban environments, thus linking civic pride with piety.
• Evaluate how the prostyle temple plan compares to other temple designs and its influence on subsequent architectural developments.
  • The prostyle temple plan stands out from other designs like peripteral or amphiprostyle layouts due to its concentrated emphasis on frontal columns rather than wrapping them around all sides. This choice impacts both form and function, making entrances more pronounced while minimizing side views. Its influence on subsequent architectural developments is evident in neoclassical movements, where similar portico styles were adopted in public buildings, embodying ideals of democracy and civic virtue rooted in Roman architectural legacy.

Related terms

Portico:

A structure consisting of a roof supported by columns at regular intervals, typically attached to a building as a porch.

Cella: The inner chamber of a temple, which housed the cult statue of the deity to whom the temple was dedicated.

Columns:

Vertical structures that support a building or a portico, often designed in various styles such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.